Dr. Fred Sick Receives 2010 Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Fred Sick was recognized with the William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine on Aug. 13 at the college’s annual Research Day luncheon. The award, given annually, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their achievements, or have made major contributions to the enhancement of the College of Veterinary Medicine. The award was presented by Dr. Eldon Uhlenhopp, associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Outreach and Operations.

During his career, Dr. Sick has dedicated himself to service to his community, profession, colleagues and students. His strong commitment has been a continual inspiration to others.

“Dr. Sick’s record of service is remarkable,” said Dr. Uhlenhopp. “He has always been a committed supporter of our college and the veterinary profession. It is truly an honor to present this award to him.”

After graduating from Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974, Dr. Sick was a private practitioner in Sioux Center, Iowa. In 1997, he joined the staff at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., as the site veterinarian at the company’s Sioux Center facility.

Active in organized veterinary medicine, Dr. Sick is a past president of both the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Northwest Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. He currently serves as the advisor to the pre-veterinary clubs at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. He has also served as a mentor to many veterinary students whom he recruited into the profession.

Throughout his life, Dr. Sick has supported his community both as a veterinarian and public citizen. For many years, he was the Sioux County 4-H Youth Fair veterinarian. He is a board member of the Lions Club and member of the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux County Extension Council and founding member of Iowa Association of County Extension Councils. He is also a member of the American Legion, having served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Medical Corps from 1967 to 1969.

His numerous service awards include the 1994 4-H Alumni Award, 1996 Friend of Extension Award, the 2002 Citizenship Award from the Sioux Center Chamber, Chamber “Go Getter Award in 1994 and 2006, and the 2003 Meritorious Service Award from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. In 2007, he was inducted in the 4-H Hall of Fame.

Dr. Sick is a native of Iowa. He and his wife, Geralyn, live in Sioux Center they have two daughters, both registered nurses, Michelle who lives in Ames and Shari who lives in Sioux Falls, S.D., and four grandchildren.

Established in 1998, the Switzer Award is named in honor of Dr. William P. Switzer, distinguished professor emeritus at ISU. Dr. Switzer was a long-time researcher and associate dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research led to the development of widely used vaccines for atrophic rhinitis and kennel cough.

College of Veterinary Medicine · Iowa State University · Ames, Iowa 50011